The Wyoming Cowboys (5-16, 0-9 MWC) will try to snap their seven-game losing streak when they take on the Utah State Aggies (16-6, 5-4 MWC) at Arena-Auditorium. The game starts at 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, and will air on ESPNU.
Utah State opened as a 13-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 128 points at William Hill Sportsbook.
Utah State Aggies at Wyoming Cowboys Betting Prediction
In the Aggies’ last matchup, they covered the 9-point spread against the Colorado State Rams, 77-61. The total points for the game (138) were under the O/U total of 142. The Aggies, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.507, had a ridiculous mark of 0.663, while the Rams had a free throw rate of 0.169 (below their season average of 0.252). With 28 points on 10-for-15 shooting, Sam Merrill was the top scorer from either team.
The Cowboys were beaten by the No. 4 San Diego State Aztecs in their last contest, 72-55, but did cover as 22.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (127) were over the O/U total of 123. San Diego State’s 15.8 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Wyoming, who had a rate of 24.6. The Aztecs’ mark was worse than their season average of 14.4, while the Cowboys’ was above their season average of 18.4. Wyoming’s Jake Hendricks had a solid game, leading both teams in scoring with 20 points on 6-for-15 shooting.
After the Aggies won both meetings against the Cowboys last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Utah State won 76-59. The Aggies had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.0 vs. 10.3) and had a much better free throw rate (0.367 vs. 0.184).
Utah State is 16-6 straight up (SU), but they are just 8-12 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to set the total high when the Aggies are playing, as 11 of their 20 games have gone under the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Wyoming owns records of 5-16 SU and 9-10-1 ATS. Contrary to Utah State, games featuring the Cowboys have a slight tendency to go over the total (50.0 percent).
Wyoming might have difficulty scoring as they go head-to-head against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. Utah State currently ranks 29th in defensive efficiency while the Cowboys rank 341st in offensive efficiency.
Utah State at Wyoming Free Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Utah State, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Utah State is 2-8 ATS on the road with 5 unders, 4 overs and 1 push.
Wyoming is 3-8-1 ATS at home with 6 overs, 5 unders and 1 push.
Utah State ranks 11th in rebounds per game (41.1) while Wyoming ranks 282nd (29.7).
The Aggies rank 12th in assists per game (16.6) while the Cowboys rank 256th (10.2).
Wyoming ranks 100th in three pointers attempted per game (23.3) while Utah State ranks 187th in three pointers allowed per game (23.1).
The Cowboys rank 48th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while the Aggies rank 116th (3.5).
Utah State ranks 125th in steals per game (6.5) while Wyoming ranks 132nd in steals allowed per game (6.8).
In its last five contests, Utah State is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Wyoming is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over its last five games.
The Aggies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.4, down from 13.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cowboys have scored an average of 58.6 points per game (1.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.0 points per game (3.7 above their season average).
